Dolores Carol Kinal

Dolores Carol Kinal, 75, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025. A devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, and compassionate friend, Dolores lived a life rooted in kindness, creativity, and care for others.

Born in Albany, New York, Dolores graduated from Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School in 1968. She went on to earn associate degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Nursing — careers that reflected her deep desire to help and nurture those around her.

Dolores met the love of her life, Michael Kinal, through mutual friends, and the two were married for 47 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose.

Her early career as a nurse set the tone for a life of service. She was a natural caregiver — always doing for others and never seeking recognition. Her giving spirit extended beyond people to animals, whom she loved dearly. After moving to Florida in 2014, she became an active member of the Manatee Patchworkers Quilt Guild, where she donated her time, talent, and materials to various community service projects — including one especially dear to her heart: creating bedding for rescue dogs and cats at the Manatee County Humane Society.

Dolores was a gifted quilter, artist, and lifelong learner. She constantly explored new creative outlets — from sewing and painting to sun printing, papermaking, mixed media, and thread painting. She was always taking classes and just as often teaching them. Whether leading a workshop or offering one-on-one guidance, she found joy in helping others grow. Her patience, encouragement, and quiet enthusiasm touched learners of all ages.

Throughout her life, Dolores pursued a wide range of careers and creative ventures. She ran a ceramics business with her sister Elaine, stayed home to raise her daughter, launched a cake decorating business, worked as a DOTS rubber stamp salesperson, spent time at a florist, and co-owned a beloved rubber stamp store in Coxsackie, NY — Stampin’ Frenzy — with two close friends. Each role reflected her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love of handmade beauty.

Among all her roles, Dolores cherished most her role as “Grandma.” She was the ultimate grandmother — crafting, baking, playing, and showering her grandsons with unconditional love. She would do anything for “her boys,” and her joy in being with them was always evident.

Dolores is preceded in death by her father John Johnson; stepfather Berton Dewey; stepmother Frances Johnson; and brother Joel Johnson. She is survived by her husband, Michael; daughter Andrea and son-in-law Alex; and grandsons Christopher and Nicholas,

all of Bradenton, FL. She is also survived by her mother, Lucy of Greenville, NY; sister Elaine and brother-in-law Edward of Greenville, NY; and brother Jack of Winter Haven, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave E, Ellenton, FL 34222. Family and friends are invited to join for lunch immediately afterward at Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Ellenton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Manatee County Humane Society, an organization close to Dolores’s heart: https://humanemanatee.org/donate/online-donations/.